Transcript Highlights:

• My friendship with Mary started when I was elected to lead the LA Federation of Labor almost 20 years
• My friendship with Mary started when I was elected to lead the LA Federation of Labor almost 20 years
• My friendship with Mary started when I was elected to lead the LA Federation of Labor almost 20 years

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, offered prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and handled routine announcements and motions, including a request by Senator Arreguín to remove SB 239 from the inactive file for second reading. The chamber then took up SJR 9 by Senator Durazo, a resolution concerning immigration rates, which was debated briefly and placed on call before later amendments were adopted by a 29-10 vote. The Senate next considered SR 70 by Senator Pérez, commemorating the third anniversary of the Monterey Park tragedy. Senator Pérez and Senator Rubio spoke about the 11 lives lost, the injuries, the heroism of Brandon Tsay, and the need to remember the victims and support the community. The resolution passed unanimously, 39-0, after which Senator Pérez introduced Monterey Park Mayor Elizabeth Yang on the floor. The remainder of the session was devoted largely to adjournment memories honoring Mary Gutierrez Hunter, labor activist Bob Mulholland, former Yolo County Supervisor Betsy Marchand, and Vietnamese American community leader Vu von Locke. Senators described each person’s public service, organizing work, and lasting impact on labor, veterans, local government, refugee resettlement, and community institutions. The Senate also announced the Appropriations Committee would meet shortly after adjournment and noted the next floor session would be held Monday, January 26, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• Containment System, we conduct these reviews statewide and provide targeted support, employing a project lead
• containment system, we conduct these reviews statewide and provide targeted support employing a project lead
• and six reviewers in Arizona. and I'm joined by one. supported support employing a project lead and

Committee: Senate Senate Education Committee of Reference

Summary: The Senate Education Committee of Reference first heard a sunset review of the Credit Enhancement Eligibility Board. Governor’s Office staff explained that the board was created in 2016 to lower borrowing costs for qualifying schools by providing a state guarantee that improves credit ratings, but the board has no dedicated staff or budget and is now largely in a monitoring role because it has reached its statutory leverage cap. Members discussed the long maturities of the approved financings, whether rural districts might benefit from additional capacity, and why a 10-year continuation was being requested. The committee voted to recommend continuing the board for 10 years until July 1, 2036. The committee then heard a sunset review of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE). WICHE’s president described the interstate compact, its regional student access programs—WUE, WRGP, and PSEP—along with behavioral health fidelity reviews and cooperative purchasing savings. Testimony emphasized tuition savings for Arizona students, the return of health care graduates to Arizona, and the value of regional collaboration. The committee voted to recommend continuing WICHE for 10 years until July 1, 2036. Finally, the committee reviewed the Arizona Department of Education School Safety Program performance audit. The Auditor General reported that the program has grown substantially, but many sampled schools were not fully complying with requirements such as operational plans, safety teams, training, activity logs, and reimbursement documentation. The department agreed with the finding and said it would implement the recommendations. The school safety director responded that the department has already begun tightening monitoring, training, and documentation procedures, and he answered questions about emergency plans and campus safety. No further action was taken on the audit, and the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• I had the privilege of leading 16 of my classmates up to Washington, D.C., a few months ago.
• So this proposal rose to name a portion of the road leading into NAS Pensacola as Warriors Way in recognition
• this proposal rose to name a portion of the road 589 This proposal is to name a portion of the road leading

Summary: The Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee met to consider several bills, beginning with HB 335 by Representative Kendall, which sought to recognize space as a fifth mode of transportation, give voting rights to ex officio Space Florida board members, and reduce what the sponsor described as unnecessary state oversight of spaceport operations. The bill was presented as a response to feedback from NASA, Space Force, and other federal partners about clarifying the state’s role at federally owned facilities like Kennedy Space Center. Members raised questions about terminology, authority over federal property, and the role of Space Florida; the sponsor said an amendment would remove the voting-rights provision and instead require spaceports to provide an annual list of shovel-ready projects. The amendment was adopted, and HB 335 passed favorably. The committee then unanimously passed HB 885, which designates a road in Baker County near the courthouse in honor of former Representative and Judge John Cruz, and HB 403, which names a portion of the road leading into NAS Pensacola as Warriors Way to honor the sailors killed in the 2019 Pensacola attack and the broader naval community there. Both bills drew brief supportive remarks and no opposition. The committee also considered HB 25, a bridge designation for Coach Wilks, a longtime local basketball coach, and adopted a Senate amendment adding the Dickey Betts Memorial Highway designation on U.S. 41 in Sarasota County. HB 25, as amended, passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with adjournment after all measures on the agenda were reported favorably.

Transcript Highlights:

• SESSION BE THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT OF ANY FLORIDA SENATE BECAUSE THEY WERE WILLING TO YIELD TO THE LEADING
• THE WAY THAT WE FUND EDUCATION FLORIDA WAS CREATED IN 1972 AND YOU LEAD IN A SCHOOL ZONE, TOOK YOUR GET
• BILL I SAT ON THE PANEL DISCUSSION SHORTLY THEREAFTER AND THE QUESTION WAS AFTER EVERYTHING WE DID TO LEAD

Keywords: 998, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• you these are inherently safe as opposed to when they have battery damage and that could potentially lead
• actual risk that potentially unintentionally opens the door to price gouging and unintentionally could lead
• Yes, additional last costs are going to lead to higher costs, right?

Transcript Highlights:

• It keeps the promise to all of the people who trust us to lead, to make sure that no child, no elder,
• This is our chance to lead with care.
• special sessions, I would like to yield to Who are veterans in this chamber, Senator Pope, if you could lead

Transcript Highlights:

• This is yet another example of how Florida leads the way in strengthening communities here at home, but
• exactly what he has called on us to do, simplifying the process and showing how a state can manage, lead
• It did lead to a couple little slowdowns in the process because that's a very bureaucratic process.

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum present and heard several housing and disaster-recovery items. The committee heard SB 48 by Senator Gates, which would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead treatment for the owner-occupied portion of the property, limit undue parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum rentals, extend certain density bonuses for military families, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably. The committee also heard SB 34 by Senator Sharif, creating a historic cemeteries program to help preserve historic African-American cemeteries and allow sale of excess vacant land if proceeds are used for long-term maintenance; it was also reported favorably. The committee then considered and recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Board of Directors of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation. Members also received a presentation from the Department of Commerce on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida. Deputy Secretary Justin Domer described the state’s administration of HUD disaster recovery funds, including more than $4.3 billion received since 2017, housing repair and replacement programs that have completed 5,271 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects such as sewer conversion in Alford, the new Calhoun-Liberty Hospital, and the Florida Keys desalination plant. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and audit procedures; Domer said the department uses inspections, vendor oversight, and financial penalties, and noted stricter contract consequences in newer programs. The Division of Emergency Management also presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition/demolition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is designed to reduce repetitive flood losses and keep homeowners in place, and that it has received more than 12,000 applications, with about 1,500 prioritized, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about the 25% match for seniors, the wait list, contractor procurement, and how projects are classified; Guthrie said the program uses insurance proceeds where available, has competitively procured 27 contractors, and may shift projects from elevation to reconstruction depending on damage and flood rules. The committee adjourned after the presentations and discussion.

Transcript Highlights:

• This is yet another example of how Florida leads the way in strengthening communities here at home, but
• exactly what he has called on us to do, simplifying the process and showing how a state can manage, lead
• It did lead to a couple little slowdowns in the process because that's a very bureaucratic process.

Committee: Senate Community Affairs

Summary: The Committee on Community Affairs met with a quorum and heard two bills, a confirmation, and two agency presentations. SB 48 by Senator Gates would require local governments to allow voluntary accessory dwelling units, preserve homestead exemption for the owner-occupied portion, limit parking restrictions, require 30-day minimum leases, extend density bonuses for military-family housing, and allow reusable tenant screening reports. The bill drew strong support from the Florida Association of Mortgage Professionals and several others, and it was reported favorably on a unanimous roll call. SB 34 by Senator Sharief would expand the Historic Cemetery Program, particularly to help historic African-American cemeteries preserve and maintain themselves by allowing sale of excess vacant land only if proceeds are used for long-term upkeep; it also passed unanimously and was reported favorably. The committee also recommended confirmation of Fox Henderson to the Florida Housing Finance Corporation Board of Directors by unanimous vote. In addition, the Department of Commerce presented on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program and Rebuild Florida, describing more than $4.3 billion in HUD disaster recovery funds since 2017, housing repair and replacement efforts that have completed more than 5,200 homes, and infrastructure and mitigation projects across the state. Members asked about average project costs, contractor oversight, corrective actions for deficient work, and clawbacks from a prior vendor; Commerce said it had ended the earlier vendor relationship, imposed about $3.6 million in financial consequences, and now uses stronger oversight and competitive procurement for contractors. The Division of Emergency Management then presented on Elevate Florida, a federal mitigation program that allows homeowners to apply directly for elevation, reconstruction, acquisition, or wind-mitigation projects, with a 75/25 federal-homeowner cost share and no state funds used. Director Kevin Guthrie said the program is intended to reduce repetitive flood losses, keep homeowners in their communities, and serve as a national model; he reported more than 12,000 applications, about 1,500 prioritized for review, 500 on a wait list, and 305 submitted to FEMA for final approval. Members asked about assistance for seniors who cannot meet the 25% match, the wait-list process, contractor selection, and the mix of project types, and Guthrie said contractors were selected through competitive procurement and that most projects are elevations, though some may become reconstructions or acquisitions depending on inspection results. The committee adjourned after the presentations.

Transcript Highlights:

• So this leads us to how are we entering and finishing 2025-26.
• tests detect over 60 genetic, metabolic, and congenital conditions that, if left untreated, could lead
• tests detect over 60 genetic, metabolic, and congenital conditions that, if left untreated, could lead

Summary: The Legislative Budget Commission met with a quorum present to hear the constitutionally required Long-Range Financial Outlook and consider a series of budget amendments. Amy Baker of the Office of Economic and Demographic Research presented the outlook, describing Florida’s continued population growth, strong wage growth, an aging population, housing-market softening, and low consumer sentiment. She said the general revenue forecast was largely unchanged from March, but the state’s funds available had improved because of legislative actions in 2025 that increased the balance forward. She also noted strong reserves, a projected current-year Medicaid deficit of about $125 million, and a three-year outlook that remains positive in the first year but turns negative in years two and three. She highlighted the risk of co-occurring catastrophic events, using a normalized Great Miami Hurricane scenario to illustrate potential state losses. The outlook was adopted after brief comments from House and Senate members emphasizing fiscal restraint and efficiency. The commission then approved multiple budget amendments, mostly without objection. The Agency for Health Care Administration received amendments to realign funding for Florida KidCare based on estimating conference results, to provide $85 million in budget authority for disproportionate share hospital payments, and to adjust Medicaid and long-term care appropriations, including placing surplus funds into reserve. The Department of Health received $6.3 million in additional authority for newborn screening. The Department of Corrections and the Department of Management Services each received $2.2 million in Private Inmate Welfare Trust Fund authority for repair invoices and pending projects. The Department of State was authorized to release $2.5 million in nonrecurring general revenue for cultural and museum grants and America 250 commemorative grants. The Department of Transportation received approval for a project roll-forward and for work program changes, including advancing I-95 widening in Duval County and the I-4 corridor in Polk and Osceola counties. The meeting ended with a motion to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• These tariffs have increased costs for imports and exports alike, leading to a decline in cargo volumes
• The rippling effects extend into regional... imports and exports alike, leading to a decline in cargo
• As the now fourth-largest economy, California should be leading the way with our own bold, flexible approach

Summary: The Assembly Committee on Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact met on July 11, 2025, and heard six measures focused on small business contracting, ports and trade, local economic development, clean energy transition, tariff impacts, and infrastructure finance. SB 70 would raise the Small Business Procurement and Contract Act contract cap from $250,000 to $350,000 and index it to inflation; supporters said it would reflect current economic conditions, while opponents argued it could reduce transparency, favor larger firms, and strain small businesses’ ability to carry inventory and wait for payment. The bill was approved 7-0 to Appropriations. AJR 14 urged federal agencies to consider the effects of tariff policy on California ports, with testimony emphasizing impacts on cargo volumes, jobs, supply chains, and infrastructure needs; it passed 7-0. SB 781 would require cities and counties to adopt small business utilization plans and strengthen the California Small Business Technical Assistance Program; chambers of commerce and committee members supported it as a way to expand procurement opportunities and technical assistance, and it passed 7-0 to Local Government. SB 227 would extend and expand the Green Empowerment Zone in Contra Costa County, add environmental justice representatives, and extend authorization to 2040; it passed 7-0 to the floor. SB 263 would direct the California Transportation Agency to study the statewide impacts of tariffs, with supporters from the ports, retail, and trucking sectors arguing that better data is needed to guide budgeting and policy responses; it passed 7-0 to Appropriations. SB 769 would create the Golden State Infrastructure Fund to finance major infrastructure projects through a revolving public-private investment model; supporters said it would help address long-term infrastructure needs and prepare for major events, and the bill passed 6-0 to Appropriations after opposition was withdrawn. All measures were reported out of committee, and the meeting adjourned at 10:39 a.m.

Transcript Highlights:

• So I am proud that California actually led the way and is leading the way.
• In fact, the CFPB has said in new guidance that states should take the lead in regulating their own licensed
• States are increasingly taking the lead when it comes to financial oversight, and this bill is a step

Committee: House Banking and Finance

Keywords: 988, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• having been made, council service staff will notify all members of their appointments and then the lead
• I, I, I just, I worry that then this leads to other requests.
• Uh, it just, it concerns me that this is gonna lead to other things.

Committee: House Legislative Council

Transcript Highlights:

• DEPARTMENT'S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AND ACCOUNTABILITY AIRPORTS, PROVIDES FRAMEWORK FOR FLORIDA CONTINUING TO LEAD
• CANCER TREATMENTS SUCH AS CHEMOTHERAPY AND RADIATION CAN CAUSE PERMANENT INFERTILITY LEADING SURVIVORS
• >> Chair Hooper: YOU ARE RECOGNIZED. >> Speaker: YES SENATOR AND THERE'S BEEN COLLABORATION LEADING UP

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• EVERY YEAR OVER 3000 FLORIDIANS DIE FROM GUN VIOLENCE AND FIREARMS REMAIN THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH
• AS I'M SURE YOU KNOW FIREARMS ON THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS IN THIS COUNTRY.
• GUN VIOLENCE IS A LEADING FACTOR FOR WHY CHILDREN AND TEENS DIE IN OUR COUNTRY.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• post-release may improve the health and well-being of those with a history of incarceration, which could lead
• Let Texas lead the way and let us be the state that puts an end to the cycle of this exploitation.
• clarity and have more clear criteria. and expectations for people who are inside that will actually lead

Bills: HB153 , HB1828 , HB2306 , HB2498 , HB3464 , HB3488 , HB3636 , HB3673 , HB3834 , HB3860 , HB4120 , HB4937 , HB1515 , HB153

Committee: House Corrections

Keywords: education, funding, student resources, technology access, equal opportunity, veterans treatment court, mental health, criminal justice, rehabilitation, eligibility criteria, veterans, treatment court, military service, legislation, legislative leave, correctional officers, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, accumulated leave, compensatory time, parole eligibility

Transcript Highlights:

• Senator Berman, would you like to lead us in debate? Certainly. Thank you.
• Senator Berman, would you like to lead us in debate? Certainly. Thank you.
• Senator Berman, would you like to lead us in debate? Thank you, Madam Chair.

Committee: Senate Education Postsecondary

Summary: The Committee on Education Postsecondary held confirmation hearings for two State University System Board of Governors appointees, M. Carson Good and Speaker Paul Renner. Good described his background in Florida real estate, airport governance, and fundraising, and said he would focus on improving university performance, collaboration among institutions, and growing endowments while keeping in-state tuition stable. Renner emphasized his legislative experience with higher education, and said his priorities on the Board would be transparency, compliance with legislative direction, and reducing administrative bloat. Both nominees were recommended for confirmation on a single vote, with Senator Berman noting concern about the low number of women on the board. The committee then heard and passed SB 1726, a higher education transparency bill by Senator Calatayud. The bill would require Board of Governors members to comply with constitutional financial disclosure requirements, set term limits for State Board of Education and university board members, change rules for presidential searches and public records, and require more detailed textbook and syllabus information for students. A student advocate from Florida Student Power Network supported the bill as increasing student involvement and democratic accountability in higher education. Senator Harrell raised a concern about residency requirements for Board of Governors members, and the sponsor said that issue could be revisited later. The bill was reported favorably. Next, the committee considered SB 1458 on apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship funding. A delete-all amendment was adopted that required clearer funding splits between local education agencies and program providers, annual reporting, a standard DOE contract template, and a cap on administrative fees in certain cases. Supporters from industry groups said the changes would improve transparency and accountability without requesting additional funding. The committee then reported the bill favorably. Finally, the committee heard SB 584 on young adult housing support. An amendment removed a requirement that state agencies act as co-signers or guarantors on leases while preserving coordination for the federal Foster Youth to Independence program. Several former foster youth and advocates testified in support, describing housing instability and its impact on education, and urging broader access to campus housing and vouchers. The sponsor said the bill prioritizes housing and work-study for homeless and former foster youth, supports the FYI program, and directs a statewide study of housing barriers. The committee reported the bill favorably and then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• give you ample kudos... credit they did give you ample kudos for your willingness to hear them out leading
• If you wouldn't mind... conversation, if you wouldn't mind leading into sort of the defined rollout and
• And that leads us to House Bill 196 from the incomparable Representative Margie Wilcox.

Bills: SB174 , SB180 , HB196 , HB25 , SB193 , HB25

Committee: Senate County and Municipal Government

Keywords: business taxes, annual reports, Alabama Tax Tribunal, tax appeals, local government, media monitoring, government contracts, state agencies, local agencies, media regulations, transparency, juvenile detention, county management, legal procedures, juvenile justice, county commission, supervision, administration, emergency services, 911

Transcript Highlights:

• HUSBANDRY BIOLOGY CONSERVATION LEADING RESEARCH AND EXTENSION PROGRAMS AS WELL AS MENTORING STUDENTS
• THERE HAVE BEEN SOME PROMISING LEADS.
• AND IT'S LEADING TO WIDESPREAD A LOSS WHICH WE THINK WILL BE REPORTED IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS. >> DO FARMERS

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• ><00:15:12.520><c> on</c><00:15:12.640><c> deciding</c><00:15:13.680><c> uh</c> legislature in the lead
• Representative Murphy, um, will the elected chair be the lead of that committee, like we have here?
• of that committee alike uh be the lead of that committee alike uh we<00:30:08.960><c> have</c><00:30
• For 35 years, we've proven that with the right support, homeless youth don't just survive, they lead.
• And today, our just survive, they lead.

Bills: HF1767 , HF2068 , HF4725 , HF4637 , HF4638

Committee: House Human Services Finance and Policy

Keywords: human services, community support, integrated care, disability services, stakeholder consultation, homeless youth, grants, funding, Minnesota, mental health, substance use disorder, education, workforce development, licensure, direct care services, healthcare, long-term care, personal care assistants, employment support, medical assistance

Transcript Highlights:

• So, this is why Minnesota is leading the charge, and this is so cutting edge because this is changeable
• So, this is why Minnesota is leading the charge, and this is so cutting edge because this is changeable
• </c><00:14:22.320><c> the</c><00:14:22.440><c> charge,</c> is why Minnesota is leading the charge, is
• </c><00:15:13.120><c> the</c> it even further and is leading the it even further and is leading the nation
• </c> lead, and thrive. lead, and thrive.

Bills: HF3119

Committee: House Education Finance

Keywords: teacher compensation, educational staff, unlicensed staff, minimum wage, inflation adjustment, education finance, 1183, house